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Red Sox get valuable piece back in Ross

Red Sox get valuable piece back in Ross

5/31/13: Jon Lester strikes out Kevin Youkilis swinging, then David Ross throws to second base to cut down the runner for the double play

By Ian Browne
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MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Monday was a big day for backup catcher David Ross, as he was back on Boston's roster for the first time in over two months.

Ross suffered his second concussion of the season June 14 and went through a lengthy recovery.

The Red Sox were thrilled to have him back, given his status as a highly respected clubhouse figure and a solid catcher.

"He's a guy that has handled our pitchers very well. He brings a lot of energy to our clubhouse, to the dugout," said manager John Farrell. "He's got a lot of history here in the National League with the teams we're going to go up against. He's a guy we had the intention catching a lot of games for us, and unfortunately the two concussions have limited that. Thankfully he's gotten past those and is 100 percent ready to go. I think the 16 or 18 at-bats he had at Triple-A is getting him back in the flow of things. We're excited to have him back here with us, active."

Ross will likely start Tuesday's game against the Giants. His return should enable Jarrod Saltalamacchia to get some more rest.

"He's leading our team in doubles right now," Farrell said of Saltalmacchia. "He's made consistent progress from the right side of the plate, particularly of late against some lefties, and he's handled both sides of the game very well. There was a lot of talk about 'How much can he endure? What's his endurance behind the plate?' Offensively, it hasn't dragged him down one bit. He's been very much in the flow of everything we've done."

To make room for Ross on the roster, the Red Sox optioned Ryan Lavarnway back to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.